For the 2026 school year, there are 1,798 private schools serving 430,262 students in New York (there are 4,813 public schools, serving 2,506,610 students). 15% of all K-12 students in New York attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $22,258 for elementary schools and $26,593 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in New York include Friends Academy, schooltest school 7, and Poly Prep Country Day School.
The average acceptance rate is 74% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 40% and the student-teacher ratio is 10:1.
Top-Ranked New York Private Schools by County (2026)
Popular neighborhoods: Borough Park (29 schools), Midwood (28 schools), Williamsburg (19 schools), Crown Heights (18 schools), East Bronx (16 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in New York?
The top-ranked private schools in New York include Friends Academy, schooltest school 7, and Poly Prep Country Day School.
How many private schools are located in New York?
There are 1,798 private schools are located in New York.
How much do private schools cost in New York?
The average private school tuition in New York is $22,258 for elementary schools and $26,593 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in New York?
Approximately 40% of students in New York private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in New York go to private school?
15% of all K-12 students in New York attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in New York?
Which private schools in New York are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in New York include: Downtown Little School vs. The Lang School, Mountain Lake Academy vs. Northwood School, Mandala School vs. Aurora Waldorf School
Recent Articles
Free Private Schools & Voucher Programs in 2025
Updated guide to free private schools and school voucher programs, 2025 policies, costs, equity issues, and how families access tuition support.
Social Emotional Learning 2025: Policy, Practice and Outcomes
Updated 2025 review of social emotional learning in schools, research outcomes, key trends, challenges and future paths for parents and educators.
Private School Admissions for Siblings: Costs and Timing
Learn how private school admissions for siblings affect costs, discounts, and timing strategies for families planning multiple enrollments.


